Method for producing a radome and corresponding radome

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a radome, a flexible printed circuit board having a metallic structure being used. Said flexible printed circuit board is embossed and is back-molded with a thermoplastic material and electric contact elements are connected to the flexible printed circuit board. A connector skirt is placed on the contact elements prior to back-molding.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT / EP2016 / 072405, filed Sep. 21, 2016, which is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior German Patent Application No. 10 2015 218 876.0, filed Sep. 30, 2015, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention relates to a radome, in particular for a motor vehicle, and to a method for producing a radome.PRIOR ART[0003]Radomes are covers, which are substantially transparent to radar beams, of a radar sensor that emits radar beams, and preferably also receives them again, in order to be able on this basis to produce an image of the surroundings of the radar sensor or to be able to generate information in this respect.[0004]Such radomes are used in motor vehicles in order to be able to cover radar sensors, for example in the front end of the vehicle, to protect the radar sens...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a radome that can be produced in an easy and uncomplicated way and nevertheless can be electrically contacted easily. The invention also addresses the problem of providing a method for producing a radome that provides an easy and inexpensive procedure for producing a radome.

[0010]It is particularly advantageous in this case if the flexible printed circuit board consists of a flexible film that has a metallic structure. As a result, a simple design can be achieved, while at the same time the strength of the film can also be influenced, for example by choosing laminated films.

[0011]It is particularly advantageous if the contact elements are connected to the metallic structure in an electrically conducting manner. As a result, a good connection of the metallic structure to a circuit can take place, in order to use the metallic structure as a means of electrical heating.

[0012]It is also advantageous if, by the back-molding of the thermoplastic material, the connector skirt is secured on the film. This allows the connector skirt also to be secured in one step.

[0014]It is in this case particularly advantageous if the thermoplastic material is back-molded on the side of the film with the metallic structure. As a result, the metallic structure is covered over and protected by the thermoplastic material.

[0015]It is also advantageous if the sheet-like plastic element thus created is connected to a front panel. As a result, the radome can for example be adapted to the vehicle front end of a motor vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

Such designs tend to be complicated and / or expensive.

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